Leadership
The Apostle Paul’s customary practice after founding new churches was to appoint elders to lead them before he left for further missionary activity. A variety of responsibilities are inherent in the concept of elder leadership in the local church. The elders teach, preach, pray for the sick, care for the general needs of the church and set a godly example in their lives for the people to follow. They also set church policy and ordain other leaders. The elders were given the ultimate responsibility for the oversight of that particular church body, and the shepherding of its members.
As necessary, deacons were also appointed to serve in the early church, particularly in undertaking those areas of need that would otherwise prohibit the elders from performing their Biblical responsibilities.
The elders and deacons, along with all members of each local body form a unique organism – a visible and functioning expression of the universal church. The Crossing Church recognizes this Biblical pattern for church structure: the leadership, oversight and watch care of elders and the supportive service of deacons.